Donald Trump and the movement he represents are not “just” a matter of politics: They are effectively a public health crisis that touches all areas of American society and life.
These assaults on democracy and a humane society are emotional, physical, spiritual, psychological, economic, intellectual and material. Trumpism and fascism attack reality and truth, seeking to replace them with what social psychologists have described as a state of “malignant normality."
The result of these assaults is a collective state of trauma, anxiety, lack of direction and growing despair about our futures as individuals and citizens of a supposed democracy. These negative emotions are amplified by existential fears about global climate disaster, disruptive technologies such as AI, wars in multiple areas of the world, past and future pandemics and other unpredictable crises.
Fascism and authoritarianism are like opportunistic predators. They seek out societies in crisis whose dysfunction and brokenness allow them to flourish.
If Trump and his MAGA forces take back the White House, whether by fair means or foul — a once-unthinkable prospect that now seems increasingly likely — that might finally mean the end of innocence for those Americans who have deluded themselves into believing that “we are better than that."
Agreed. Firearms for self defense? I’m way ahead of ya. And I hope folks listen.
Random violence against marginalized people is probably going to get worse before it gets better. I don’t want mass shootings either but if we aren’t going to ban and confiscate all guns, then being totally defenseless in this ominous political and social climate seems …ill-advised.
I suppose I personally am not in as much danger since I am a white male and my atheism isn’t visible but I have family and friends who are in targeted groups.
Also, see if your area has a local chapter of the SRA. If it does, think about joining. If not, consider starting one.
Good call. Or Pink Pistols.